DeWalt FlexVolt 60V 20-Inch Chainsaw DCCS677 Review: Strong Performance, Limited Runtime

Introduction

The DeWalt FlexVolt 60V 20-inch chainsaw, model DCCS677, is a cordless saw that promises gas-like cutting performance for homeowners and occasional users. It is available with either a 12Ah or a 15Ah battery, and the kit with the 15Ah battery currently sells for around $550, with frequent sales knocking roughly 10% off. After several days of heavy hardwood cutting, the verdict is nuanced: this is an outstanding saw for the right person and the right job, with runtime as its single meaningful compromise.

Key Features Worth Knowing

Several design choices stand out immediately. The chain brake is both electric and mechanical, so in a kickback situation where the brake is pushed forward, the chain stops mechanically. The chain brake on the rear handle also stops the chain very quickly when the trigger is released, which is a genuinely useful safety feature, though engaging the mechanical brake while moving around is still recommended.

The trigger is not variable speed, but that turns out to be a non-issue. After a short adjustment period, the lack of variable speed simply does not come up in use, even when trimming smaller trees. The trigger action is smooth, and the thumb safety works well, though users of battery-powered string trimmers may catch themselves holding the safety down constantly, which could make a thumb sore over very long sessions.

The auto oiler puts out a generous amount of oil. A single tank of oil covers roughly two battery charges, so the saw drinks oil at a rate similar to many gas saws with the oiler turned up. Carry extra oil if you run multiple batteries. One quirk: the oil level window is constantly covered in sawdust and debris in the field, so you have to wipe it off to check the level. Not a big deal, but worth knowing.

Build Quality and Handling

Comfort and build quality are top notch. The saw weighs 12 pounds without the battery, is very well balanced, and everything feels solid and high quality. Chip extraction is excellent, with chips flying out the back of the saw, which provides real confidence that the saw is cutting quickly and efficiently. The 20-inch bar also reduces how far you have to bend over, giving the feel of a larger gas saw.

Two studs at the front, like any professional-grade saw, let you loosen, tension, and retighten the chain. The bar wrench stores in the back of the saw, tucked away tightly where it will not get knocked, but it is black. If you drop it in the woods, finding it again will be tough. A silver tool would have been a smarter choice for visibility.

Real-World Performance in the Woods

Day one in hardwood deadfall was outstanding: no cutouts, no issues, just relentless cutting. This saw delivers the performance of a mid-grade 50cc gas chainsaw, no question. It barrels through wood with a satisfying flow of chips, and with sharp chain it never feels underpowered.

Day two brought a lesson. Early cuts produced frequent cutouts despite a fully charged battery. The culprit was a dull chain. Five minutes with the included file brought the chain back to sharpness and eliminated the cutouts entirely. The lesson is clear: frequent cutouts mean either a dull chain or a low battery, and both heat up the battery and slow you down.

One important note on chain compatibility. The 20-inch low-profile 3/8-inch chain is a DeWalt-only purchase, so it is worth buying a spare. The upside is that the bar can be swapped for an 18-inch or 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, and pretty much any Oregon chain in 3/8 low profile will work. The included file is there for a reason: keeping this chain sharp is essential to getting the best from the saw.

Battery, Charging, and Heat

Runtime is the saw’s defining limitation. Even with the 15Ah battery (15 amps at 20 volts, or 5Ah at 60 volts), heavy hardwood cutting drains the battery quickly. Expect roughly a quarter tank of gas worth of cutting per charge compared to a gas saw. Charging on the included standard charger takes upwards of two hours, so plan your time in the woods accordingly, or invest in a second or third battery, which adds considerably to the cost.

A useful pattern emerges from field use: as long as the chain is sharp and the battery has more than one bar remaining, the saw runs flawlessly. Once the battery indicator drops to one bar, cutouts appear when pushing hard, a clear signal that time is nearly up. Letting the saw rest between big cuts also extends useful runtime.

Heat is a real consideration. Multiple large, sustained cuts warm the battery noticeably, and a fully discharged battery is quite warm at the end of the day. That heat can trigger a thermal delay when charging, forcing a wait even on a fast charger. All testing happened in freezing or near-freezing temperatures; a hot 90-degree day may change the picture entirely.

If you are choosing between battery options, the advice is firm: skip the 12Ah version and pay the extra $50 for the 15Ah. The runtime difference matters, and the smaller battery will only increase heat buildup. This saw accepts only the 12Ah or 15Ah packs, and the 15Ah is the clear recommendation.

Case, Maintenance, and Ownership Details

The included case is a genuine value at this price. It has a slot for the battery on top, keeping a spare handy or storing the saw’s pack safely, plus space for the charger. Inside, oil residue is minimal and mostly attributable to a spilled fill rather than the auto oiler. The only gripe is the file compartment, where trimming a little excess plastic makes the file fit properly.

Maintenance is straightforward. Filling the oil is easy, and the cap clears out of the way cleanly. The bar nuts can come loose in the field, so check them occasionally; the bar shifting slightly is the telltale sign. The battery contacts collect sawdust and chips, so keep that area clean to maintain good contact. Use a high-quality chain oil, since chips flow back through the oiler area, and a thinner, better oil keeps things from clogging.

Who Should Buy This Saw

This saw will make 99% of its owners very happy, with runtime as the lone downside. It is best suited to the homeowner cutting deadfall, cleaning up storm damage, or handling smaller trees, someone who is not in a rush and can recharge between sessions. Working slowly and letting the saw rest extends runtime noticeably. If you expect to fell a full tree and buck the entire trunk, this is not the saw for that job unless the tree is small.

Conclusion

The DeWalt FlexVolt 60V DCCS677 is a genuinely excellent cordless chainsaw with the ergonomics, build quality, and cutting power to satisfy nearly everyone who picks it up. You get gas-saw-class performance from a mid-grade 50cc machine, excellent chip extraction, a strong safety system, and a well-thought-out case. The compromises are real but narrow: limited runtime, a proprietary 20-inch chain, a slow charger, and warm batteries after hard use. For homeowners with patience and a spare battery, it is an easy saw to love.